Yao syndrome: a novel systemic autoinflammatory disease with cutaneous manifestations

Int J Dermatol. 2025 Jan;64(1):44-50. doi: 10.1111/ijd.17350. Epub 2024 Jul 4.

Abstract

Yao syndrome (YAOS) is a novel systemic autoinflammatory disease linked to the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD2) gene. It is characterized by periodic fevers, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, arthritis, and dermatitis, among other symptoms. A sparse literature exists on this disease, and little is known about its dermatological manifestations. A review of available literature was performed to characterize the cutaneous manifestations of Yao syndrome. Cutaneous manifestations were documented in 85.7% of patients, with common characteristic descriptions of erythematous patches and plaques involving the face, trunk, abdomen, and extremities. Based on our review of treatment modalities employed for Yao syndrome, prednisone is an appropriate initial approach, with oral sulfasalazine and other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs serving as appropriate secondary options. YAOS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with a dermatitic rash, especially in the context of concurrent articular symptoms, periodic fever, and GI symptoms.

Keywords: NOD2; Yao syndrome; autoinflammatory disease; cutaneous manifestations; narrative review.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis* / diagnosis
  • Arthritis* / etiology
  • Dermatitis / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis / etiology
  • Dermatitis / pathology
  • Fever / diagnosis
  • Fever / etiology
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / etiology
  • Hereditary Autoinflammatory Diseases* / complications
  • Hereditary Autoinflammatory Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Hereditary Autoinflammatory Diseases* / genetics
  • Hereditary Autoinflammatory Diseases* / immunology
  • Humans
  • Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein / genetics
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Sulfasalazine / therapeutic use
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein
  • Sulfasalazine
  • NOD2 protein, human
  • Prednisone
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Yao syndrome